Surprise Lilies

We are going to highlight one of the beauties blooming in August in many people’s gardens, the surprise lily or also commonly called the naked lady. These plants are in the Amaryllis family and are a type of perennial bulb. The bulbs are about three inches in diameter and can persist for many years once established. The plant gets it’s name because the blooms randomly pop up in the summer where no foliage is currently growing. These bulbs have silvery gray or greenish strap-like foliage measuring 12” long and approximately one inch wide that emerges from late winter to early spring. This foliage then dies away in late spring and the flowers emerge in later summer with pale pink trumpet like flowers on two-foot-tall stalks. This bulb is native to southeast China, Japan and Korean in disturbed areas in valleys and along streams. These flowers are easy to grow in full sun to partial shade. Plant the bulbs at a depth of 8 to 12 inches and space them about 6 inches apart. These plants should be watered moderately during the growing season and sparingly during their rest times.

Have questions? Contact our office where our Horticulture Extension Agent will assist you with questions.

Phone: (316) 321-9660

Email: callae@ksu.edu